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Israel reiterated that lasting security could only be achieved through the disarmament of Hezbollah and the dismantling of its military infrastructure across Lebanon.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump. (AFP file)
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to implement a ceasefire following two days of high-level trilateral talks hosted by Washington, marking the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the latest round of hostilities erupted along the border.
As per a joint statement by the US, Lebanon and Israel, the ceasefire is contingent on a complete halt to Hezbollah attacks and the withdrawal of all Hezbollah operatives from the area south of the Litani River.
As part of the agreement, Israel and Lebanon agreed to swiftly establish pilot security zones where the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will exercise exclusive control, with all non-state armed groups excluded from operating in the area.
The move would pave the way for broader negotiations aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace and security agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
But Israel and Hezbollah have continued to trade fire, with Hezbollah claiming missile attacks on northern Israel on Wednesday and Lebanon saying Israeli strikes in the south killed at least nine people, including two paramedics.
However, there was no immediate reaction from Hezbollah on the ceasefire.
The talks also focused on a new security framework designed to safeguard the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of both countries. The framework includes measures aimed at dismantling non-state armed groups and preventing their re-emergence, read the statement.
The United States reiterated its support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and pledged continued assistance to strengthen Beirut’s ability to assert authority across its territory.
The statement included a strong condemnation of Iran, with all parties criticising Tehran’s attacks in the region and its support for proxy groups that they said undermine Middle East stability.
Israel Says Its Security Can Be Achieved Only Through Hezbollah Disarmament
Israel reiterated that its security and respect for its territorial integrity can only be achieved through the disarmament of Hezbollah and the dismantling of its military infrastructure across Lebanon.
Lebanon, meanwhile, stressed the importance of respecting internationally recognised borders, implementing the ceasefire in full, and upholding state sovereignty.
The two sides agreed to reconvene political and security negotiations during the week of June 22, with the United States continuing to facilitate communication in the meantime.
The agreement comes amid renewed concerns that escalating clashes between Israel and Hezbollah could drag Lebanon deeper into the wider regional conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Will This Ceasefire Hold?
President Trump on Monday spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hezbollah representatives and said that both sides have to stop the shooting.
“I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, and there will be no Troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back. Likewise, through highly placed Representatives, I had a very good call with Hezbollah, and they agreed that all shooting will stop — That Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel,” Trump said in a post on X.
However, Trump’s announcement had no effect on the ground reality as Hezbollah and Israel continued to attack each other’s territories.
About the Author
Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter –twitter.com/saurabhkverma19
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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